They are due to be deported to their native countries after their release.

Two of bin Laden's widows are from Saudi Arabia and one is from Yemen. They are said to have several children between them, but only those over the age of 12 were charged.

Pakistani authorities have had bin Laden's relatives in custody since US special forces killed the terrorist leader in May 2011. According to Agence France Presse, they are living under house arrest in a "plush" property in the capital, Islamabad.

After their release, bin Laden's family members may prove an embarrassment for Pakistan, Reuters said:

"Once outside Pakistan, bin Laden's relatives could reveal details about how the world's most wanted man was able to hide in US ally Pakistan for years, possibly assisted by elements of the country's powerful military and spy agency."

The account given by bin Laden's youngest wife, Amal Ahmad Abdul Fateh, has already raised questions about how the Al Qaeda chief and his large family were able to spend nine years in Pakistan undetected. Fateh claimed bin Laden fathered four children — at least two of whom were born in government hospitals — and lived in five safe houses during his time on the run.

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